Earth Friendly Goodies » real food wednesday

Vegetable Garden Tips and a Gardening Cookbook to Boot

Chris — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:46:49 +0000

Spring is still calling... very softly for those of us up north, but when that warm sun teases me through the window I start to get in the mood to play in some dirt and try my hand at growing some nice healthy weeds along with my spinach and basil.

Last year I had discovered Square Foot Gardening one of the best selling garden books on Amazon and at the time had noticed a follow up book aptly named All New Square Foot Gardening Cookbook. Now, I am a complete cookbook geek especially when they have good pictures (why a cookbook wouldn't have enticing pictures is beyond me) and this Square Foot Gardening cookbook is a beauty.

Mel Bartholomew Speaks about his Gardening Cookbook

Plenty of nice large colorful pictures of not only the dishes, but also of the vegetables and herbs - even if you aren't a gardener you'll have fun with this gardening cookbook. (But after reading this cookbook I'm sure you'll be at least a little bit inspired to try your own garden)

The author, Mel Bartholomew is a whiz in the garden (how beautiful are those plants in his garden by the way? I wanted to eat right off my monitor but it zapped my tongue) he often says eat fresh, eat healthy and eat what you grow and with a garden like that I'm sure you could make fantastic salads right out of the garden.

Not only does the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook have more than 135 recipes to enjoy the harvest from your square foot garden (or farmers market, or store if you haven't braved the garden gnomes) Mel adds harvesting techniques and yield information for each of the seventeen vegetables, fruits, and herbs and adds money saving tips, square foot garden tips, and even a kid's gardening corner for lots of family fun.

If you didn't catch my last post on EarthBoxes vs Square Foot Gardening take a peek and try one of these easy methods for yourself then have fun with some fresh from the garden recipes.

Other Gardening Tips in the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook

Planting schedule for continuous crop harvesting
When to harvest plants
How to harvest
Tips for storage
Plant spacing
Kids corner for family fun

All New Square Foot Gardening
List Price: ~~$19.99~~
Sale Price: $9.49
You save: $10.50 (53%)
Eligible for free shipping!

Square Foot Gardening: A New Way to Garden in Less Space with Less Work
List Price: ~~$19.99~~
Sale Price: $5.94
You save: $14.05 (70%)
Eligible for free shipping!

This Post on the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook Shared on Real Food Wednesday

Vegetable Garden Tips and a Gardening Cookbook to Boot is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is?

EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is?

Chris — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:00:27 +0000

Ok it's official EarthBoxes beat out Square Foot Gardening in a tag team cage match, okay I don't know where that came from I don't even watch wrestling but if I did the EarthBox container gardening method would be the Hulk Hogan of small space gardening.

EarthBox vs Square Foot Gardening, and the Winner Is?

When you compare EarthBoxes vs Square Foot Gardening you have to take into consideration what you are looking to get out of gardening and how much space you have. With Square Foot Gardening you need more space but you also get a more traditional gardening feel - you get to play in more dirt and maybe pull a few weeds (although if done right you won't really have that many weeds to contend with - Square Foot Gardening really is a rock solid method)

What I like about EarthBoxes and what you'll like as well is the ease with which you keep the plants watered - just fill the reservoir with water when needed and the plants do all the work - they just grow.

Last spring I had planted basil in my square foot garden (well I skimped a bit so it is more like my rectangle foot garden but the concept is the same) and they finally decided to grow at the end of the season so I had to bring them indoors - at which point they took off like a green thumbed rocket - why? I put them in a pot that has one of those easy fill reservoir bottoms - just add water when needed and the plants do all the work. That is the beauty of the Earthbox - whether you find a manual on how to make your own earthbox or you find a great EarthBox sale online I think you'll love your results. Plus you can use them indoors so if you live "up norte" like we do you can grow your favorite vegetables and herbs all year long!

Square Foot Gardening miniaturized with an EarthBox

If you aren't the do-it-your-self type or don't think you'll have the time to make a homemade earthbox there are always sales on Amazon for the EarthBox Garden Kit (Model number RB-EB-TRC-PBB although that isn't really a number and what in the heck do all those extra letters stand for? Really Boss Earth Box Terra-cotta Peanut Butter and Banana I think) At the time of this posting the EarthBox was on sale for 29% off list price - and is the hottest selling container gardening product - the word is out on how easy to use the EarthBox is. (if you are in doubt just check out the great earthbox reviews - you'll love 'em too)

Enjoy your earthbox or square foot gardening this year - and let me know whacha growin' I'll stop by for supper when it's ready. And while you are in the mood for garden goodies check out our post on the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook.

EarthBox 1010002 Garden Kit, Terra Cotta
List Price: ~~$69.99~~
Sale Price: $32.25
You save: $37.74 (54%)
Eligible for free shipping!

EarthBox 1010135 Garden Veneer, White
List Price: ~~$129.99~~
Sale Price: $84.87
You save: $45.12 (35%)
Eligible for free shipping!

This Post on the Earthbox vs Square Foot Gardening Shared on Real Food Wednesday

EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is? is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Fair Trade Handmade Gift Basket with Organic Coffee and Chocolates

Chris — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:30:58 +0000

If you are looking for a unique handmade gift that is both a splash of art for the eyes and a tasty treat for the palate take a look at this fair trade gift basket. This simple yet beautiful handmade beaded basket is chock full of fair trade organic goodies.

Includes organic fair trade coffee, three organic fair trade chocolate bars and is rounded off with a box of fair trade chocolate-covered Brazil nuts - well on second thought maybe you'd rather just keep this one for yourself - I won't tell...

I stumbled upon this fun handmade gift basket while looking over the fine selection of eco goodies on eBay's World of Good - if you aren't familiar with it stop by and take a peek. There are plenty of fun eco-friendly gift ideas.

This particular fair trade coffee and chocolate gift basket is sold by EcoExpress Gifts which has the Green America Goodprint verification on World of Good. Which means this business adopts principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities, and the environment.

At the time of this post this fair trade coffee and chocolate gift basket is on sale for $47.05 with only 4 remaining.

Find more fair trade and organic gifts from EcoExpress Gifts for sale below.

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday

Fair Trade Handmade Gift Basket with Organic Coffee and Chocolates is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Rodelle Gourmet Vanilla Extract: Free Warm and Fuzzies

Chris — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 15:24:48 +0000

As the first snow fall of the season blows and blusters about outside and the tinkling bells of snow plow back-up signals set the mood for the coming holidays I was hit by a rather warm comforting surprise.

I was staring blankly in my spice cupboard while forging for an early morning snack when my gaze fell on the back of a bottle of Rodelle vanilla extract. I had splurged a bit on a gourmet vanilla extract a while back and without even knowing it I was helping the environment.

The Rodelle headquarters in Fort Collins Colorado it turns out is 100% powered by wind or alternate energy sources. And to sweeten the pot they are very active in local and international efforts to improve social and environmental standards such as emergency relief efforts and working toward sustainable growing practices in Madagascar and Uganda where the vanilla bean growers are.

It is heart warming, on a cold pre-winter day especially, to find companies quietly improving the world we live in with something as simple as the vanilla extract we bake with.

Rodelle makes a wonderful line of gourmet baking ingredients and spices including many types of gourmet vanilla extracts and beans upon which the company was founded. If you are looking for high quality organic vanilla extract, alcohol free vanilla extract, some delicious Madegascar bourbon vanilla beans, or just good old fashioned pure vanilla extract give Rodelle a try - and help spread the warmth this holiday season.

I don't recall which grocery store I found my vanilla extract at but it looks like Amazon has a selection of Rodelle Products for sale from time to time. Also below is the current selection of Rodelle products for sale on eBay as well.

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday and Fight Back Friday

Rodelle Gourmet Vanilla Extract: Free Warm and Fuzzies is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Healthy Banana Bread Recipe with a Mango Ginger Twist

Chris — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:23:05 +0000

A Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Bread Recipe
with a Mango Twist and Ginger Surprise

Sometimes the best recipe experiments are a result of ingredients that have to be used up before they go bad - that works especially well for a banana bread recipe since you need well ripe bananas - what better way to use up those brown skin beauties.

Well this time I not only had a few very ripe bananas but I had a mango that needed to be used up right away as well - so the 'ol kitchen creative bug bit me in the keister and the result was a rather delicious surprise. (ok I'm sure plenty of other people have made banana mango bread but I'd like to think I'm special too).

So without further ado (although feel free to throw down a drum roll if you like) here is my Mango Ginger Banana Bread Recipe:

I'll list the earth friendly organic ingredients (thus the somewhat healthy banana bread recipe) that I try to use but you can use whatever you have on hand - I won't tell...

Mango Ginger Banana Bread Recipe Ingredients

1/2 cup organic sugar
1 tbs Truvia (I use the natural sweetener Truvia to cut down on the amount of sugar - you can supplement all of the sugar with a natural sweetener if you'd like)

1 stick organic butter
2 large organic eggs
2 large very ripe bananas
1/2 to 3/4 diced very ripe mango depending on how much you sample
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups whole wheat flour
1.5 tsp powdered ginger
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp sea salt

cinnamon sugar
coconut oil

Directions:
Heat oven to 350º - Grease bottom of 9x5x3 inch loaf pan with coconut oil. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Mix sugar and butter in large bowl. Stir in eggs until well blended. Stir in bananas, mango, buttermilk, and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in flour, ginger powder, baking soda, and sea salt just until moistened.

Pour into baking pan sprinkle top with cinnamon sugar and bake for about an hour - or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Let cool as long as you can resist the delectable smell and enjoy - last but not least send everyone you know back to Earth Friendly Goodies to tell us what they thought of our Banana Mango Ginger Bread recipe (not required but it is always nice)

What do you like to spice up your banana bread recipe with - please share in the comments below.

This Post on my delightfully delicious banana bread recipe Shared on Real Food Wednesdays, Fight Back Friday and Fat Tuesday

Healthy Banana Bread Recipe with a Mango Ginger Twist is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensils and Eco-Friendly Utensil Holder

Chris — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:45:25 +0000

Do you have a pile of unused plastic utensils at home from various take out restaurants? Are you sick of the excess waste from all these pretty much worthless plastic utensils? To-Go Ware's founder, Stephanie Bernstein sure was and she had the inspiration to start To-Go Ware and the To-Go line of Bamboo utensils with the clever campaign Reduce Your Forkprint.

Well, we recently discovered these Bamboo To-Go Ware utensil sets and fell in love. I love the look and feel of bamboo and knowing that I can easily bring these babies anywhere is great. They are also perfect for sending with the kids for school lunches as well.

Each set includes a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks all snug as a bug in a rug in a nice durable utensil holder made from RPET, recycled PET plastic (often called RePEat) which is made from recycled plastic bottles.

These Bamboo utensils are heat and stain resistant and won't absorb flavors so you don't have to worry about chocolate pudding flavored pasta.
They are sealed with a natural, vegan, food-safe sealant that has been tested and contains NO heavy metals that could leach into food.
They are strong too, much stronger than those pesky plastic forks that always break and you end up trying to eat with a one or two tined fork by the end of the meal.

The RePEat utensil holders are available in a number of colors and styles so you can pick up a different one for each member of the family. We actually bought them as camping utensils but we have found there are so many more uses, and we can feel good about turning down plastic utensils where ever we go. Yes we are eco-geeky like that. As it turns out so is Oprah as the To-Go Ware was featured on Oprah's Earth Day show. (just a bit of eco-geek trivia for you)

Bamboo To-Go Ware utensil sets are for sale at a number of locations including Amazon (where you can often find them with free shipping), Whole Foods, REI and through the To-Go Ware web site itself.

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday

To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensils and Eco-Friendly Utensil Holder is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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BPA Free Dishes for Kids – Unbreakable Dishes that are Tough as Nails

Chris — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:10:18 +0000

Have you ever wished you had unbreakable dishes especially unbreakable dishes for kids? Sure there are those ugly plastic dishes but every time I grab a plate or cup for our kids I think we really need to find non plastic BPA free dishes for kids. With all the warnings about BPA leaching into our food (especially when microwaved) I really don't want that stuff anywhere near my kids. So I usually gamble and give them our quite breakable good dishes... and face the wrath of Brandi when she scolds me for letting the kids use her artsy dishes. (so far I have been lucky but if ever one should break I'll be sleeping on the couch for a month)

But where can I find BPA Free unbreakable dishes for kids?

Just today she handed me a torn out page of a Parents magazine in which they had a little blurb about Kidishes - BPA free dishes for kids, drinking glasses, bowls and plates that are made out of Duralex tempered glass. I know you are thinking give glass dishes to my kids - yeah right! The thing is these Tempered glass dishes are supposed to be 4 to 5 times stronger than standard glass because they are made through extreme heating and rapid cooling, thus quite nearly unbreakable dishes!

You can find Duralex unbreakable dishes for sale at Amazon. The Kidishes often sell out fast on Amazon but you can go right to the source where you can buy Kidishes as well as a fun video showing off the seemingly indestructible nature of these dishes. Take a peek at the vid and then go to ZoeB Organic to check out these kid friendly 100% recyclable, dishwasher safe, microwaveable, BPA free Duralex unbreakable dishes for kids (whew that was a mouthful)

You can also find a good deal on Duralex unbreakable dishes for sale on eBay with a few Kidishes on there from time to time as well.

This Post on BPA free unbreakable dishes for kids shared on Real Food Wednesday and Fight Back Friday

If you are looking for another non plastic option for school lunch containers check out our post on LunchBots - unbreakable dishes, or rather lunch containers made from stainless steel. Well ok, stainless steel lunch containers aren't unbreakable dishes but that was my theme here so I'm sticking with it.

BPA Free Dishes for Kids – Unbreakable Dishes that are Tough as Nails is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

Chris — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:10:10 +0000

If you are looking for a tasty treat on a chilly morning (or afternoons and evenings) perhaps a bowl of organic old fashioned slow cooker oatmeal would hit the spot. I was recently flipping through my "Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook: Feasting with your Slow Cooker" and happened to see a recipe for making slow cooker oatmeal.

Well, my creative kitchen gremlin tapped me on the shoulder and said "hey buddy let's experiment." So experiment we did.

Our Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe:

2 Cups dry Organic Old Fashioned Oats
2 Cups chopped apples (hand picked from a local orchard adds a little family fun)
2 1/2 Cups milk
1 1/2 Cups water
4 Tbsp. honey
4 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp cloves (or 5-6 crushed bulbs)
coconut oil

Grease your slow cooker with some coconut oil. Mix all the ingredients in your slow cooker set the timer on Low for 4 hours and wait patiently until you have one fine batch of spiced apple slow cooker oatmeal. mm-mmm good!

Note: to take advantage of the full nutrient power of the oats soak them overnight in yogurt or buttermilk. Sound strange? You bet, but whole grains like oats have phytic acid which binds with the vitamins and minerals in our bodies and prevents them from being absorbed. Soaking them in an acidic medium like buttermilk, whey, yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar overnight neutralizes the phytic acid and makes them easier to digest.

Hey if you really dug this slow cooker oatmeal recipe I sure would love a comment, and a share and a Like and a pat on the back and a batch of warm chocolate cookies...

This slow cooker oatmeal recipe post shared on Fight Back Fridays and Real Food Wednesday.

Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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YummyEarth Organic Lollipops: A Boo-Licious Halloween Candy

Chris — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:25:22 +0000

Are you looking for a boo-licious Halloween candy that you feel good about giving to all those special spooky kiddies - including your own? I just discovered YummyEarth Organic Lollipops and let me tell you these are the most delightfully delicious opulently organic heavenly Halloween candies I have dared to discover - yowza! I need a breather... Okay, what was I saying before I got a bit distracted by the memory of that first tantalizing taste?

Ah yes YummyEarth Organic Lollipops. These are USDA organic certified kosher allergen-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, casein-free, dairy-free lollipops that are certainly not free of taste. In fact their unique "good for you" formula actually tastes better than regular candy because it is made from all-natural fruit extracts and use red cabbage and purple carrots for color.

Huh? Vegetable Organic Lollipops - Yeah Right

Cabbage and Carrot lollipops you're saying? Um, yes that's what I thought at first but actually you'd never know and even more importantly your kids won't know. The smell and taste of these YummyEarth candies are nothing short of, well Yummy.

YummyEarth lollipops are the perfect treat for Halloween and come in a wide selection of fun to say flavors including Sour Apple Tart, Pomegranate Pucker, Mango Tango, TooBerry Blueberry, Googly Grape, Strawberry Smash, Very Very Cherry, and Wet-Face Watermelon.

This post on YummyEarth Organic Lollipops shared on Fight Back Fridays and Real Food Wednesdays.

YummyEarth Organic Lollipops: A Boo-Licious Halloween Candy is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

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Lime: the Natural Key to the Fountain of Youth

Chris — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:15:07 +0000

Did you know the good 'ol lime is a powerhouse of natural health and beautiful skin? The easily overlooked little cousin to the lemon is in fact one of the best natural cures for bad skin and may in fact be one of the hidden secrets to the fountain of youth. I was looking through one of those free natural health publications that you find outside "good for you" grocery stores and I happened upon a little one paragraph blurb about the effects of lime juice on the face and skin - my curiosity was peaked.

It turns out all citrus fruits contain some pretty powerful anti-cancer antioxidants (hesperidin, lycopene, citric acid, limonene, and others) which of course we hear about the benefits of eating or drinking lots of citrus for that very reason, but what we don't hear as often is the effects of using citrus and especially lime directly on our skin. These healing properties, as well as lime’s refreshing and clarifying qualities, make lime an especially nice ingredient in topical preparations or skin care. Dr. Jody Alpert Levine, who heads the division of pediatric dermatology at Montefiore Hospital in Bronx, New York, says, "Lime’s astringent, antiseptic, and disinfectant qualities are good for treating oily and acne-prone skin."

So here are a few natural uses for lime which will give all of us that wonderful youthful skin we so desire. (caution: be prepared to answer a lot of questions on what's your secret to youthful beautiful skin)

1. Extra Special and Secret (well not any more) Lime Juice Formula

Squeeze a lime into a bowl. Add a glass of boiled whole milk and a teaspoon of glycerin. Stir well and let it sit for half an hour. Apply this mixture on the face, hands and feet before going to bed at night. This treatment every night will help you look even younger and more beautiful than you already are. It is also a great natural cure for acne.

2. To improve a dull and greasy complexion

Mix half teaspoon of lime juice with one teaspoon of cucumber juice and a few drops of rose water. Apply on the face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with water.

3. For very oily skin

Squeeze lime juice in a bowl of ice water. Splash this over the face, massage for five minutes and then rinse with water.

4. To improve dry rough skin

Take an egg yolk and mix in a few drops of lime and olive oil. Spread on the face and leave it until the skin feels dry. Wash off with water and splash on cold water to help tone the skin.

5. To relieve tired eyes

Take four tablespoons each of lime juice and ice water. Soak cotton balls in this water and place over your closed eyelids for 10 minutes.

6. To remove freckles

Blanch and grind two almonds, mix it with egg white and a half teaspoon of lime juice. Spread on the face and leave it on until the skin feels dry. Then, wash off first with warm water and then with cold water.

If you aren't the do it yourself type look for natural organic skin care products with lime to get many of the same healing effects. Below are some current organic lime skincare products for sale on ebay including lip balms, facial washes and toners, and perhaps some pure lime essential oils so you can make your own youthful lime concoctions.

This post shared on Works for Me Wednesday.

Lime: the Natural Key to the Fountain of Youth is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Earth Friendly Goodies » real food wednesday

Vegetable Garden Tips and a Gardening Cookbook to Boot

Mel Bartholomew Speaks about his Gardening Cookbook

Other Gardening Tips in the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook

This Post on the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook Shared on Real Food Wednesday Vegetable Garden Tips and a Gardening Cookbook to Boot is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies Readers who enjoyed this page, also viewed:EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is?

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EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is?

EarthBox vs Square Foot Gardening, and the Winner Is?

Square Foot Gardening miniaturized with an EarthBox

This Post on the Earthbox vs Square Foot Gardening Shared on Real Food Wednesday

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Fair Trade Handmade Gift Basket with Organic Coffee and Chocolates

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday

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Rodelle Gourmet Vanilla Extract: Free Warm and Fuzzies

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday and Fight Back Friday

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Healthy Banana Bread Recipe with a Mango Ginger Twist

A Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Bread Recipe with a Mango Twist and Ginger Surprise

Mango Ginger Banana Bread Recipe Ingredients

This Post on my delightfully delicious banana bread recipe Shared on Real Food Wednesdays, Fight Back Friday and Fat Tuesday

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To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensils and Eco-Friendly Utensil Holder

This Post Shared on Real Food Wednesday

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BPA Free Dishes for Kids – Unbreakable Dishes that are Tough as Nails

But where can I find BPA Free unbreakable dishes for kids?

You can also find a good deal on Duralex unbreakable dishes for sale on eBay with a few Kidishes on there from time to time as well.

This Post on BPA free unbreakable dishes for kids shared on Real Food Wednesday and Fight Back Friday

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Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

Our Organic Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipe:

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YummyEarth Organic Lollipops: A Boo-Licious Halloween Candy

Huh? Vegetable Organic Lollipops - Yeah Right

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Lime: the Natural Key to the Fountain of Youth

This post shared on Works for Me Wednesday.

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This Post on the Square Foot Gardening Cookbook Shared on Real Food Wednesday

Vegetable Garden Tips and a Gardening Cookbook to Boot is a post from: Earth Friendly Goodies

Readers who enjoyed this page, also viewed:
EarthBox VS Square Foot Gardening – And the Winner Is?

A Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Bread Recipe
with a Mango Twist and Ginger Surprise